A Report on a Qualitative Service Evaluation of Return to Dental Therapy Reskilling Schemes in the United Kingdom.

Abstract

Purpose: In 2019, Thames Valley & Wessex dental directorate, National Health Service England, South East (TV&W NHSE), launched a 'Return to Therapy' (RTT) scheme. This was aimed at dental therapists who had not used their full scope of practice for an extended period. A service evaluation was undertaken in 2023 to determine if the schemes (2019, 2021) were fit for purpose and met the needs of participants.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken using a grounded theory methodology and thematic analysis. Interviews were conducted with a group of RTT participants and educational supervisors. Transcripts were analysed in accordance with the principles of thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke.

Results: At the start of the programme, participants identified low confidence levels in a range of clinical procedures, and this was a motivating factor in their undertaking of the course. On completion of the scheme, all participants reported improvement in confidence, skillset, and safety, but expressed the need for more exposure to paediatric extractions. On completion, 50% of participants were successful in securing employment as a dental therapist using their full scope of practice, whereas the remaining 50% reverted to providing periodontal treatment only. Educational supervisors reported an increased understanding of the scope of practice of a dental therapist for themselves and their teams.

Conclusion: Return to Dental Therapy schemes enable workforce development, job satisfaction, and skill mix. Further development of the educational and clinical programme is needed to address knowledge gaps and improve confidence in providing clinical procedures, and recommendations have been made.